Showing posts with label 12 Days of Christmas Joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12 Days of Christmas Joy. Show all posts

Saturday, December 12, 2020

12 Days of Christmas Joy: A Christmas Romance Collection ... Six heart-warming holiday romances


Interview with the authors of
A Christmas Romance Collection: 
Six heart-warming holiday romances

Alexis: Why did each of you write your story to be part of this Christmas Weddings collection? Share the title of your holiday story or stories (for those of you who wrote two stories for this book) and share the plot of each story in two or three sentences.

Kimberly Rose Johnson: Island Christmas is part of a series set on an island in the Puget Sound. I brought back one of the original characters and to allow readers to get to know her better. Though I didn’t set out to write a salvation story, in the end there is a beautiful one included in this book.

A Christmas Homecoming is also a part of a series. This one takes place in one of my favorite places: Sunriver, Oregon. The story has some mystery woven in but ultimately it’s a sweet Christian love story. Here’s the tagline: Can the mystery of Christmas unite two hurting hearts? It really sums up the premise.

Angela Ruth Strong: Finding Love in Big Sky is written as a sequel to my debut novel Finding Love in Sun Valley, which had been optioned for film. I wanted to get more work in front of the movie producer, and I knew that she was looking for Christmas stories on a ranch, so I wrote one. I didn’t know much about horses going in, so I had to go visit a friend’s farm as research. The book is currently in development for film.

A Caffeine Conundrum was also written because this producer wanted a mystery set in a tea house or coffee shop, so I gave her both. My heroines both want to buy the same shop, but one wants to serve coffee while the other wants to serve tea. The owner dies before deciding who to sell it to, and they both become suspects. Of course, it’s set during the holidays and they both have love interests, which makes the mystery both festive and romantic.

Vickie McDonough: The Fruitcake Scandal started as a “what-if” story. What if a young pastor sent home for his bride-to-be, and when she arrived, she had trouble fitting in with the ladies of his church? I thought it would be an interesting premise and allow for some uncomfortable situations for both the hero and heroine—situations that would be fun for a reader.

Miralee Ferrell: The Nativity Bride was originally written for a novella collection of 12 different Christmas books bound into one printed volume, released by Barbour. I had such fun with this book, as I was able to go on and write a short sequel (different characters, same location/time period) for another novella collection with the same authors, a year later. I now have the rights to both books back, and this was a perfect fit for this collection. It’s also the only Christmas book I’ve ever written!

~*~
Alexis: What was your inspiration for your main characters? Describe the hero and heroine’s looks, personality and heart. Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: In Island Christmas, Rachel is a twenty-six-year-old windowed mother of a little boy. She has returned to the island after going to culinary school and is excited to follow in the footsteps of someone she greatly admires. Being a good mom and providing for her son is her top priority.Chris, mid-thirties, has brown hair that tickles his collar, blue eyes, and black-rimmed glasses. He is a workaholic who needs to take a break before he has a heart attack. He is on the island for some much needed R&R. He is a driven and successful man with a strong faith in Christ.

In A Christmas Homecoming, Bailey wears glasses that are a bit too big for her face. She has long, kinky hair and stands at five foot seven. She has a caring and sweet disposition and is a people pleaser. She has a wound that runs deep and greatly affects her self-image. Stephen is tall with blue eyes and broad shoulders. He is caring, loyal, and an awesome uncle to his niece and nephew.

Angela: In Finding Love in Big Sky, Paisley is a cowgirl through and through. She’s got long, dark hair and doesn’t wear much makeup except for the lip gloss that keeps her lips from drying out. Josh is the handsome city guy who makes a fool of himself on her farm and eventually ends up in overalls.

In A Caffeine Conundrum, Tandy and Marissa are total opposites. I patterned them after Jo and Blair in The Facts of Life. Their love interests also help balance them out. Beauty queen Tandy falls for the contractor who drives a truck, and biker chick Tandy reconnects with her childhood friend when he arrives at the jail to represent her as her lawyer.

Vickie: The Fruitcake Scandal is what’s called a “fish out of water” story. Karen, the heroine, has landed in a place unfamiliar to her. She has honey-brown hair and brown eyes. She’s a kind-hearted woman who has left her hometown to come to a new place where her fiancé is the new town minister. She’s a bit apprehensive about meeting so many people at once, but she’s excited to be reunited with the man she loves. Clay Parsons is a bit concerned the big move will cause Karen to change her mind, but he puts his faith in God and trusts him to work everything out. 

When the church ladies get upset with Karen, his faith is sorely tested.

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Alexis: Paint a picture with words of your story’s setting. What makes it special to your hero and heroine? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: Island Christmas is set on a picturesque island on the Puget Sound. Imagine a small island without much commerce and the only way on or off is via a small ferry. Most of the island is undeveloped and wooded. It feels even smaller than a small town.

A Christmas Homecoming is set near and in Sunriver Oregon, a resort community in the high dessert. The trees are pine and very tall. In the summer it smells like baked pine needles. The resort isn’t basically a small town, with all the amenities a town needs. They have a village for shopping and recreation that is quite popular and my characters spend time there too.

Angela: In Big Sky, the setting is everything. The ranch in the ski resort town is what brings Josh and Paisley together. She inherited it from her grandfather, so her Norwegian heritage plays a part from the kind of horses she rides to the kind of ornaments she hangs on her tree.

In A Caffeine Conundrum, the small town of Grace Springs was even named after the message of grace in my story. It’s also on the river in Ohio, which is important because they go on a Riverboat cruise. When I was facing writer’s block with this one, I tried to get my husband to take a day trip (10 hours round trip) to the Columbia Gorge in Oregon to go for a cruise on the Sternwheeler, but, lucky for him, they were shut down that time of year.

Vickie: Bakerstown, Missouri, is the fictional setting for The Fruitcake Bride. It’s a typical small town with about a dozen streets—a place where everyone knows each other and knows everyone else’s business. Clay, my hero, has only been pastor at the church for a few months and is still getting to know people. Bakerstown is special to him because this is his first church to pastor. He wants to make a good impression and also meet the needs of the townsfolk, and he is eager to finally wed his fiancée.

Miralee: My story takes place in the late 1800s in a little valley in WA state. It’s actually only about an hour drive from my home, and a place I’ve visited many times over the years, when we purchased hay from farmers there. It’s contains a lovely small town (still small even now) and a wide valley of farms and ranches with a breathtaking view of Mt. Adams in the near distance. The perfect setting for a historical romance!

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Alexis: What is the main conflict in your story? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: In Island Christmas the major conflict between the characters is that Rachel doesn’t believe in God. This poses a big issue for Chris who is determined to be with a woman who believes the same way as him. There are other issues to, but this one stands out the strongest to me.

In A Christmas Homecoming there is quite a bit of tension between the main characters. Bailey does her best to please her boss but it’s never good enough. Stephen is caught in the middle of his mother who wants to fire Bailey and his desire to keep her around because of his growing attraction toward her and he doesn’t think Bailey deserves to be fired.

Angela: In Big Sky, Paisley wrestles with worth, and Josh unknowingly added to her feeling worthless when they were teens. I’m really trying not to give away too much backstory here, but there was a Cinderella type kiss that affected them both greatly, and they think they want different things.

In A Caffeine Conundrum, they both want to buy the shop and not go to jail, so they join forces to prove themselves innocent of murder while still being enemies in every other way.

Vickie: Clay is the new pastor in Bakerstown and is still finding his way and trying to make a good impression. Then his fiancée arrives, stirring up the young women who were aiming their bonnets for Clay. Also, some of the busy-body ladies take a disliking to Karen. She tries so hard to fit in that she makes mistakes along the way and begins to wonder if she’s the right woman for Clay.

Miralee: The conflict is more between the hero and his father. Curt left home years ago over a disagreement with his father that couldn’t be resolved. He left his sweetheart behind with the promise he’d return, but it was years before he finally came home. She waited for him, but much has changed, and his father’s disapproval is still a very big issue. He must somehow find a way to reconcile with both to save the relationships he needs in his life.

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Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story or stories? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Kimberly: I generally don’t play any music when I write. I find it distracting. I’m a musician and either end up counting the beats in my head if there are no words, or singing along in my mind if there are, which not conducive to writing at all since I can no longer hear myself think.

Angela: Always. I listen to the songs I imagine my characters listening to during a scene. The lyrics inspire jokes. I love to joke, but it has to be relevant to the setting and the character. Like Josh’s pickup line of, “Aren’t you supposed to be on top of a Christmas tree this time of year?” and Paisley’s retort of, “Aren’t you supposed to be giving Mary a ride to Bethlehem?”

Vickie: I can’t listen to music while writing. I need total quiet to be creative, so I hide out in my office with the door shut when I’m working on a book. When I’m not writing I enjoy listening Christmas music. One of my favorite songs is "Mary, Did You Know?"

Miralee: I’m afraid I don’t listen to music at all when I write. I actually need a very quiet space for writing, as I can get distracted too easily, otherwise.

~*~
Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing your story or stories? If so, explain.

Kimberly: My favorite Christmas treat is peppermint ice cream. I didn’t write either of my books during Christmastime. Since peppermint ice cream is seasonal, eating it wasn’t an option.

Angela: Both my stories have coffee shops, so spent a lot of time researching holiday treats. Even as I’m currently writing A Mug of Mayhem set in October, Marissa is looking forward to specific Christmas goodies she plans to bake in her shop. My personal favorite to bake is chocolate chip pumpkin bread, and my secret ingredient is cinnamon.

Vickie: Since I wrote this story in the spring, I wasn’t snacking on Christmas goodies. I’ve never been one to make lots of munchies for holidays, but we do like Magic Cookie Bars and Chex Mix. I’d have to say my favorite dessert is pie. I make pumpkin pie each Christmas and then splurge by buying a French Silk pie—my favorite.

Miralee: I have two favorites—I love what we simply call our Christmas cookies, but are a kind of sugar cookie, rolled out, cut with different shaped cutters, then frosted and have sprinkles applied. They shouldn’t be overcooked, so they stay slightly soft rather than crunchy. Yum! The second is Angel Sweets—chocolate balls mixed with chopped nuts (walnuts, peanuts or cashews) and mini marshmallows, then rolled in shredded coconut. These are sinfully delicious, and you don’t want to make them if you’re on a diet.

~*~
Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: I’d give Rachel the gift of a babysitter who is always reliable because that was an issue for her. I’d give Bailey a beautiful outfit that she would feel confident in because she needs to feel good about herself.

Angela: Josh and Paisley gave each other the perfect Christmas gifts, but I’d go with Paisley to get her own Min Skatt tattoo. As for Tandy and Marissa, I think I’d bring them a busload of tourists to their shop from Cincinnati for the town’s lighting ceremony.

Vickie: This is hard because it’s been so long since I wrote this story. I think Clay and Karen got a better gift than any I could bestow on them—they got married on Christmas Eve.

Miralee: A handmade nativity figures prominently in my story. That’s something most families would treasure (I know I would) and I’d love to see my young couple have one for their home.

~*~
Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about your story? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: When readers are done reading any of my books I hope they will remember being entertained and that the characters will stick with them like familiar friends.

Angela: I want my readers to feel loved. In Big Sky, they can realize how treasured they are by God. In A Caffeine Conundrum, I want them to realize that they both need and have God’s grace because Christ loved them enough to offer it to them in the ultimate Christmas gift.

Vickie: I hope I’ve given my readers a story that makes them chuckle at times. I also hope to encourage them that even though hard times come our way, God will help us through them and that things will get better.

Miralee: I hope my story will help my readers remember how important family connections are, and that it’s critical we not only forgive, but accept forgiveness when given.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, ladies. Merry Christmas!

~*~
Author Bio for Angela: 


Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about.

Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon bestsellers. She also writes nonfiction for SpiritLed Woman.

To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.

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Author Bio for Kimberly: 

Award-winning author, Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes romantic mystery and suspense.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Kimberly’s hobbies include reading, watching chick flicks, playing the piano, long walks with her hubby and their yellow lab, drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate.

Learn more about Kimberly and her books at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

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Author Bio for Miralee: 

I love life, love my family, love writing Christian fiction, reading, riding my horse and puttering in my garden are all ways I relax. I often have my little 7 lb Chihuahua, Lacey, on my lap when I'm working
 — there's nothing like a warm ball of love on your lap to act as a stress reliever!

First and foremost I'm a child of God and daughter of the King. I've been involved in women's ministries for years, I'm married to a wonderful man, have two grown children, two cats, two dogs, 10 chickens and ride my son-in-law's Arabian mare since my old mare passed in 2013. We live about 9 miles from the nearest town on 11 acres, in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees.

I started writing shortly after I turned 50, and discovered I loved it so much I don't want to stop. I have 15 novels out & a five book set of horse novels for middle-grade girls. I write both women's contemporary fiction, historical & contemporary romance, and horse/mystery novels for girls. 

One of my Western romances (Love Finds You in Sundance, WY) was awarded the Will Rogers Medallion for Western Fiction, three books have been optioned as movies, and several books have been on the ECPA best seller list. 

You can find out more about me and my books at http://miraleeferrell.com/

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Author Bio for Vickie:

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 50 books and novellas. 


Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. 

Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, doing stained-glass projects, gardening, watching movies, and traveling. 

To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

~*~
Blurbs for the novellas within 
A Christmas Romance Collection: Six heart-warming holiday romances 


Get in the mood for Christmas with six heart-warming holiday romances from 
best-selling, award-winning authors!

Island Christmas by Kimberly Rose Johnson 


Sous Chef Rachel Narrelli returns to Wildflower Island looking for a fresh start for herself and her young son. She is grateful when new friend Chris Campbell offers support as she faces her new job and new life. She cares for the Chris, but is she is willing to risk her heart to a man with an uncertain future? A self-proclaimed workaholic, Chris Campbell comes to Wildflower Island hoping to take life at a slower pace. He’s drawn to Rachel, but how will a woman and her young son fit into his future—a future that’s uncertain at best?

A Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson 


Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go?

A Caffeine Conundrum by Angela Ruth Strong 


Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to a small town to start a coffee shop, never imagining she'll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dream of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects. The unlikely pair teams up to find the real killer, and hopefully, with help from Marissa's ex and a charming lawyer, they'll be able to keep from going to jail...or worse.

Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana by Angela Ruth Strong 


The last thing Paisley wants for Christmas is to spend time with Josh Lake—the guy who broke her heart in high school—but until her bank loan goes through, she has to take all the free help she can get on the ranch she inherited. Unfortunately, Josh seems to want back in her life again, and the town’s quirky coffee shop owners don’t help by hanging mistletoe at every opportunity. Will Paisley succeed in driving him away, or will she find the healing needed to have hope for a future together?

The Fruitcake Scandal by Vickie McDonough 


Pastor Clayton Parsons waited a year to bring his fiancée, Karen, to his new church post. They plan a Christmas wedding, but in the meantime Karen helps the church ladies with various projects, including a bake sale. But revealing her fruitcake recipe could spell disaster for her future with Clay.

The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell

Deborah Summers has waited five years for Curt Warren to return home, passing up another marriage proposal by believing in her first love. But when tragedy finally brings him home a rift with his father threatens to drive him away. Can Deborah help him reconcile and possibly save their future?

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Buy A Christmas Romance Collection on Amazon

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Connect with all the author friends ... 

Connect with Angela:
Website: www.angelaruthstrong.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557213161269220
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ang_strong/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaRStrong
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-ruth-strong

Connect with Kimberly:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyrosejohnsonauthor/

Connect with Miralee:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/82316202888/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiraleeFerrell/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MiraleeFerrell/

Connect with Vickie:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickieMcDonough
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vickiemcdonough
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/VickieMcDonough/

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Friday, December 11, 2020

12 Days of Christmas Joy: Something Borrowed (Christmas Weddings Collection) by author friends


Interview with the authors of 
Something Borrowed: Christmas Weddings Collection

Alexis: Why did each of you write your story to be part of this Christmas Weddings collection? Share your holiday story’s title and plot in two or three sentences.

Jaycee Weaver:
We had so much fun last year with Once Upon A Christmas, there was no way I wanted to pass up working with these ladies again! We brainstormed this collection together and explored ways to weave our stories together so that it wouldn’t be like other collections, but something new and different.

My story is called Always Been Yours, and Hanady lays the collection’s foundation with a girls’ weekend in Denver to shop for her wedding with her best girlfriends. It’s really too bad she’s marrying the wrong guy, though, but her best guy friend, Keenan, has hopes she’ll see the truth before it’s too late.  

Toni Shiloh: Working with these ladies again was a no brainer. I knew I wanted to bring a different heroine than you normally read. So I created Leilah Anderson, my heroine in All the Moore. She has an opportunity to meet her gamer friend Reggie Moore in person, but she’s never told him she’s in a wheelchair and doesn’t want him to pity her. But when he closes the distance between them, she has to decide if love is truly a possibility for her. 


Mikal Dawn: I absolutely love these ladies, and love working with them, so any chance I get to write with them, I’m taking! A Holly, Bolly Christmas is about the daughter of Bollywood actors who’s dating a Scottish police officer. She’s booked her dream venue…without his knowledge...and without a ring! Add in her dramatic parents, and there just might be a few things that go a little off the rails. 


Teresa Tysinger: I decided to write Somehow, This Christmas for a few reasons. First, I’ve been wanting to write with these ladies for a long time! I also have been wanting to write a story set during Christmas in Laurel Cove, the setting of my current series. This worked out perfectly! In Somehow, This Christmas, wedding planner Cate and firefighter Noah run into several not-so-merry mishaps as they approach their Christmas wedding. What’s worse, the wedding is being covered by a popular blogger and Cate’s reputation is on the line. 


Andrea Boyd: When the suggestion came up about us doing this project, I prayed about it like I do for any idea, and Bruce and Lydia’s story started coming together in my head, giving me my answer. A Promise So Sweet is about a couple who splits as they enter college—his idea, not hers. Ten years later when Bruce is trying for a senior pastor position, it is suggested that he’d have a better chance if he was married and he immediately thinks of Lydia. He realizes she’s the one he’s meant to be with and sets out to win her back. 


~*~
Alexis: What was your inspiration for your main characters? Describe the hero and heroine’s looks, personality and heart.

Jaycee: I immediately knew Hanady would be a plus-size bride-to-be, but confident with a great big personality and sweet heart. I used a young Delta Burke (those dimples!) as my example, but Han has auburn hair. For Keenan, I imagined Michael Pena—handsome (the regular-guy kind, not necessarily the model kind), Hispanic, and with a charming smile.

Toni: I pictured Mekia Cox (from The Rookie) as Leilah and Marlon Wayans as Reggie. I liked that Reggie’s humor and lightheartedness was a perfect foil for Leilah’s moody self. She also has a vulnerability she doesn’t share with everyone and her tough-girl persona.

Mikal:
I grew up in a diverse community and had several friends of Punjab (a region in India) descent. When I saw the photo of an actress on Pinterest, I knew she was my next heroine. As for Maguire, well…who can resist a ginger-slightly bearded Scot? Not me, I tell ya. Chahna (Ana) is creative, strong, and perhaps a little spontaneous with long black hair, dark eyes, and gorgeous looks (I mean, her parents are famous actors, so of course!). Maguire (Mag) is tall, ginger hair and usually clean-shaven (due to being an officer) but has a bit of scruff on his off-days. He’s stable, supportive, and absolutely in love with Chahna.

Teresa: Cate is sweet and kind but also your typical type-A personality, which helps make her a fantastic wedding planner. It also means that when things start going wrong, she struggles to readjust her expectations and handle things out of her control. Noah is tall and handsome and the nicest, most patient guy you’ll ever meet. Which is good, since Cate really needs him to help maneuver the many mishaps and keep her grounded. I didn’t have a whole lot of outside influence for these characters, they just came to me. However, I do picture John Krasinski as Noah!

Andrea:
Both of my characters are Italian descendants. I immediately pictured Lydia as waiflike with dark hair and eyes. She works in a chocolate shop, plays the piano, and is a tea drinker. Her parents died when she was a teenager, so her sister and her family are all she has left. Bruce has the classic boy-next-door looks. He’s a little clueless but has a heart of gold. He grew up with two brothers and a meddling mom who doesn’t particularly care for Lydia.

~*~
Alexis: Paint a picture with words of your story’s setting. What makes it special to your hero and heroine?

Jaycee: I love my quirky hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, so I set most of my stories there—including this one. The Rio Grande Valley is nestled between a large mesa and the Sandia Mountains and is home to a variety of cultures and lifestyles. From the weather to the food, I want to inspire people to remember New Mexico (an oft overlooked state!). Keenan and Hanady are native NM lifers like my husband and his family.

Toni: New Orleans! I have family (my dad’s side and in-laws) there and so I wanted to paint a picture of a place I’ve been countless times. I gave a nod to the food, football, and then threw in Reggie’s location of Denver. But not as much because I’ve never been.

Mikal: Oh, good question. My story has two settings: breezy, hilly, busy, charming, diverse, and cold, white, slightly remote, destination, and cold. Did I mention cold? While Mag doesn’t necessarily have a strong appreciation for the second setting, it’s so different and unique, which is what draws Ana to it. As for the first setting, it’s one of a few interior design capitals in the US, and makes for a fun setting (and a good workout!).

Teresa: Laurel Cove, North Carolina is a fictional town set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is quaint, charming, and full of small-town character. I often tell people to picture one of those cute towns in Hallmark movies with a picturesque Main Street, friendly neighbors, and seasonal decorations. As I said above, Laurel Cove is the setting of my current novel series. The town is directly inspired by Burnsville and Spruce Pine, North Carolina—the area my best friend from college grew up in and still lives. When I lived up there to attend college, the area and people stole my heart!

Andrea: Bruce and Lydia both grew up in a tiny valley near Aspen, Colorado with plenty of snow and skiing. Bruce has since made his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Lydia is in for a bit of a culture shock with the Southern ways and warmer weather than she’s used to in December.

~*~
Alexis: What is the main conflict in your story?

Jaycee: Hanady’s engaged to a man who stereotypes would say is out of her league, but Keenan knows the opposite to be true. After he’s injured at work, Hanady spends time taking care of him, playing games, etc. Will her eyes begin to open to the truth about both men in her life?

Toni: Willing to hope when life says you shouldn’t. It affects Reggie and Leilah in personal and spiritual ways not to mention in the romantic realm.

Mikal: I would have to say definitely the unknown. And the parents. Oh, her parents! Lol! They may want to make you slap them upside the head, but their hearts are in the right place (most of the time), and they really do love Ana.

Teresa: The main conflict in my novella are the string of mishaps that threaten Cate and Noah’s Christmas wedding. Naturally, this leads to some tension between the happy couple, too. With a few twists and turns, they have to work to remember what’s at the heart of a marriage and get to their wedding day even if it means it’s not what they pictured.

Andrea: Colorado. Lydia still doesn’t understand why he broke up with her in the first place. An ex-girlfriend throws a wrench in the works. And Bruce’s mom … that woman does everything in her power to discourage Bruce away from this crazy scheme of his.

~*~
Alexis: What was the most fun part of writing your story? Why?

Jaycee: Hands down, the most fun was writing together with these other ladies. I’m an extrovert, and we spent so much time early in the year during stay-home orders on the computer with each other writing, laughing, praying together, and more.

Toni: Definitely writing and collaborating with the other ladies. We drew so close in the process and I value my friendship with them. But as for the actual story, the epilogue, hands down.

Mikal: I’m a wedding fiend! So I always have fun writing wedding scenes (like, too much fun…you should see my Pinterest boards). But more than anything, writing this story to fit in with the other ladies’ stories was challenging, but so fun! It drew us even closer together in our friendships where we did writing sprints together, laughed a lot, and prayed together.

Teresa: I love everything Christmas, so writing this story in the springtime was a fun escape for me. I listened to Christmas music to get in the mood. My favorite part of this project, however, was working with Jaycee, Toni, Mikal, and Andrea! They’ve become cherished friends.

Andrea: The collaboration worried some of the ladies in the group, but not me! I loved bouncing ideas off each other and fleshing out our characters’ relationships to one another. I love that it built relationships between the writers too!

~*~
Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Jaycee: Nope. I can’t listen to Christmas music in the spring or summer. 

Toni:
I did! I always build a playlist to listen to while I type and this was no different. I’m not sure that I had a favorite though. I listened to a lot of songs from Leslie Odom Jr.’s Christmas album.

Mikal: No! I’m an anomaly in the writing world, it seems, and need total quiet in order to write. I actually have a pair of earplugs I keep on my desk to wear when my family is home and I need to write. But I LOVE Christmas music (started playing it a while ago!). My favorite is “O Holy Night.”

Teresa:
Yes, as I mentioned above, this was a fun part of the project. I don’t have one song that stood out, but I mostly listened to Christmas classics. Cate is such a traditionalist who loves the nostalgia of Christmases growing up. I can totally picture her and Noah listening to it in her little, cozy house in front of the tree.

Andrea:
Even though my story is last, I wrote it first. I wrote it last Christmas, so it was easier to get into the spirit. There was definitely music playing at times, but I don’t know that any one song influenced my story. My favorites? I love “Mary Did You Know,” especially the original version. And despite the controversy, I still love “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

~*~
Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing this story? If so, explain.

Jaycee: I love all the treats! And no, because I wrote this book in the off-season, they were all long gone from this house.

Toni:
I love sweet potatoes but I didn’t eat any while writing this story since I finished in the summer.

Mikal:
Shortbread! Oh my goodness, I love shortbread! It didn’t help with writing this story, but it’s sure making my mouth water during this interview!

Teresa: There’s a scene in my story that involves baking Christmas treats. One of the things mentioned is a family “Christmas cake.” This cake is inspired by my own family’s Christmas cake that is flavored with almond, chocolate chips, and walnuts. We bake it in a Bundt pan and have it on Christmas morning. One of my favorite traditions and it was so fun to include it in this story.

Andrea: I don’t know if it helped my story (or my hips) but I love making Christmas cookies with my girls every year.

~*~
Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why?

Jaycee: Actually, in the epilogue (spoilers!), Keenan gives Hanady a game table that he made. I loved this idea because board games played a big part in their relationship’s development.

Toni:
The new Xbox series X or PS5.

Mikal: Yeesh, another great question. I honestly don’t know. Maybe some patience for Ana?

Teresa: I’d give Cate and Noah an “Our First Christmas” ornament since their wedding is planned for Christmas Day!

Andrea:
I would give Bruce’s Mom a hug. I’m a pantser, so even I didn’t know what her problem with Lydia was until it was revealed to me. My heart really felt for her and if anyone needs a hug, it’s her.

~*~
Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about your story?

Jaycee: That God made His children in all shapes and sizes, and beauty is determined by who you are. No one should make another feel inferior for something as foolish as an exterior wrapping.

Toni: It’s okay to hope for the impossible. God is the miracle worker of the things we want to write off.

Mikal: I want readers to walk away with a light heart, having spent some time with (I hope) loveable characters who made them smile and laugh. I hope they remember those characters, but more importantly, the forgiveness and love that was part of their journey.

Teresa: I hope readers are remined that life isn’t perfect and rarely goes to plan, but that doesn’t mean the most important things—love and God’s love for us—always prevail!

Andrea: Hopefully my story warms their hearts and makes them smile. I also wanted to show that God’s will for their lives is better than anything they could ever come up with for themselves.

~*~
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, ladies. Merry Christmas!

All the authors: Merry Christmas, Alexis! Hope it’s a great one!

~*~
Author Bio for 
Jaycee Weaver: 
Lover of Jesus, family, books, coffee, music, and crafting (in that order), Jaycee Weaver is perpetually pursuing at least one of her passions. 


She writes contemporary Christian romance with realistic characters in everyday situations where they always find a happy ending. Visit her at www.jayceeweaver.com.

Author Bio for 
Toni Shiloh:
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. 


Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. 

Visit her at www.tonishiloh.com

Author Bio for Mikal Dawn:
Mikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast, and military (retired) wife. 


When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand!) for wedding ideas for her characters.

Mikal lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two of their three children. Visit her at www.mikaldawn.com.

Author Bio for 
Teresa Tysinger:
Teresa Tysinger is a wife, mother, and communications director for a national non-profit. 


She writes charming Christian romance, inspired by grace. Teresa now resides in Texas, though part of her heart remains in North Carolina. She loves Jesus, coffee, and happy endings. 

Visit Teresa at www.teresatysinger.com.

Author Bio for 
Andrea Boyd:
Each of Andrea Boyd’s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. 


Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. 

Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC. 

Visit her at www.andreaboyd11.com.

~*~
Blurbs for the novellas within the book Something Borrowed:

Old friends, new loves, and a borrowed tiara.


Always Been Yours
— Hanady's planning her dream wedding, but her injured best friend Keenan isn't the groom. If she can't see she's marrying the wrong guy soon, his leg won't be the only thing broken.

All the Moore — Leilah Anderson has been living behind the screen to hide her disability, then she meets Reggie Moore face-to-face. Can their relationship survive the truth and distance between them?

A Holly, Bolly Christmas
— A dream wedding venue at Christmas? Sign Chahna Kapoor up. Even if her fiancé doesn’t know it…

Somehow, This Christmas — When not-so-merry mishaps threaten wedding planner Cate Forsyth's holiday wedding and reputation, will her own happily ever after with sweetheart Noah Bennett melt away?

A Promise So Sweet — Lydia Osborn hasn't heard from her ex in ten years, so imagine her surprise when he shows up proposing marriage. Tis the season for love?

~*~
Buy Something Borrowed on Amazon

~*~
Connect with all the author friends:

Jaycee Weaver 
Website: https://www.jayceeweaver.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayceeweaver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayceeweaver
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/weaverjaycee
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/weaversgrrrl
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17239020.Jaycee_Weaver
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jaycee-weaver
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Jaycee-Weaver/e/B076CVKRPJ
Honored to be an InspyRomance author on the web and Facebook

Toni Shiloh
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh

Mikal Dawn 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mikaldawnauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mikaldawn
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mikaldawn
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mikal_dawn
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mikal-dawn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16465702.Mikal_Dawn
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mikal-Dawn/e/B071NGN8D5

Teresa Tysinger 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresatysingerauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teresa_tysinger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresatysinger_author/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teresatysinger/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16536072.Teresa_Tysinger
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Teresa-Tysinger/e/B071HVQ2V6
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/teresa-tysinger

Andrea Boyd
Newsletter- https://www.subscribepage.com/u8c5f9
Twitter- https://twitter.com/andreaboyd111
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/andreaboyd11/
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14689507.Andrea_Boyd
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/andreaboyd11/
Bookbub- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-boyd

~*~
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Thursday, December 10, 2020

12 Days of Christmas Joy: The Prince’s Fake Fiancée (book) by Darcy Flynn


Interview with Darcy Flynn about her book, 
The Prince’s Fake Fiancée:

Alexis:
Why did you write this Christmas holiday story?

Darcy: I’ve always loved any news about the royal family in England and having lived there for a year with my husband, I became even more enamored. I’d been brainstorming ideas for a Christmas story and my love for all things royal seemed to be a great place to start. I’ve always enjoyed Cinderella retellings, as well, so it seemed only natural to combine the two. My stories tend to lean toward more light-hearted, romantic comedy themes, so I let my heart guide me from there.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine, Samantha Keller. What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? Believe in? What are her deepest desires and most obvious weaknesses?

Darcy: Samantha is a no-frills kind of gal. Having been compared with her beautiful stepsister since childhood, she’s grown to accept her looks with practical indifference. As a girl from Queens, New York, she’s not afraid to speak her mind, nor is she afraid of work. She has a deep desire to protect others, even those who’ve been unkind to her and who have taken advantage of her.

Alexis: Why does Samantha love her job? What is her role? Is she good at her job? Explain.

Darcy: Wearing a badge affirms her desire to protect and serve others. Even though she is no longer with the New York Police Department, she’s still able to protect clients through the security firm she works for. She is conscientious and takes her role with the firm seriously.

Alexis: Why does Samantha enjoy being unnoticed and overlooked by most people, especially men?

Darcy: After her father’s death, during her childhood, Samantha came to accept the continued and sometimes hurtful comparisons with her gorgeous stepsister. As a practical girl, she accepted her looks as less than those of the beautiful Tiffany. She convinced herself she was okay with that and being a young woman of character she found other things in life far more important than preening over one’s looks and going out of one’s way to attract a man. She found it safer and less painful to hide behind her no make-up, “Plain Jane” façade.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s hero, Prince Marcus de Blecourt of Sterlyn. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? Believe in? What are his strongest features and most noticeable flaws?

Darcy:
Prince Marcus is dark-haired and enormously handsome. He’s tall and physically fit, and a polo player like his father before him. When he speaks, his deep voice is every girl’s dream of what a prince should sound like. He believes in the Crown and the Sterlyn’s monarchy. His father’s death was difficult for him and without his presence and guidance, Marcus found, that in some areas, he’d lost his way. On the surface he presents utmost decorum and respectability…until he doesn’t, of course. And that’s usually when he’s traveling abroad doing his best to put an end to Lady Pricilla’s determination to marry him.

Alexis: How does Samantha feel when she learns that she has been assigned to guard a playboy prince?

Darcy: Samantha has mixed emotions upon discovering she’s to guard Prince Marcus. At first, she refuses, but when that refusal threatens her job, she relents. She’d grown up crushing on the poster of the prince that hung in her bedroom throughout her teen years, but as she followed his life and career she’d become disappointed at his playboy lifestyle in his adult years.

Alexis: What is the prince’s first impression of Samantha? Does that ever change? If so, how and why?

Darcy: He sees a very plain, unremarkable looking woman, but he’s intrigued by her forthright attitude and the fact that’s she’s not at all impressed by his royal standing in the world. He finds it refreshing that she speaks her mind. He begins to see in her a rare beauty and is amazed she thinks so poorly of her looks.

Alexis: Why doesn’t Prince Marcus like the lady who his family wants him to marry?

Darcy: Lady Pricilla Rothschild is perfect in every way…outwardly. But she is a snob and at times says cruel things about others. She openly admits their marriage would be one of convenience and is more enamored about the position she’d hold as Princes of Sterlyn than any love for him. She is fond of him, of course, but that simply isn’t enough for Prince Marcus.

Alexis: How does Samantha compare to the woman who the prince’s family chose for him?

Darcy: They are complete opposites in the looks department and even more so in their character. Samantha thinks of others and goes out of her way to be kind and thoughtful. Pricilla thinks only of herself and her position in society. She has little use for those she feels are beneath her.

Alexis:
Why does Marcus think he has to turn Samantha into a supermodel?

Darcy: Marcus is used to wealth and position that comes with his office as Prince of Sterlyn. In trying to thwart Lady Pricilla and his mother’s insistence he marry Pricilla his plan when he travels is to be seen with a beautiful woman by his side—to set the press to speculation as to who his “latest” is. Samantha’s no fuss – no frill façade would never do. He must keep up appearances for his ruse to work. Who would believe it, otherwise?

Alexis: What brings Samantha and Marcus together then what threatens to tear them apart?

Darcy: The Queen’s hiring her through Colfax Security brings them together. There is something in Samantha’s past that threatens to tear them apart. This comes to light by the scheming duo of Lady Pricilla and her stepsister, Tiffany.

Alexis: Why did you choose New York as the setting for this story? What makes it a special place for your main characters in this story?

Darcy: There’s something about New York City at Christmas time. I’ve had several visits there at Christmas and it is one of the most spectacular and festive places I’ve ever seen during the holidays. Truly magical.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this holiday story?

Darcy: I’d like for my readers to remember two things: #1: Angels are real. #2: That God doesn’t give us dreams to frustrate us, but to motivate and inspire us. Dreams are what keep us positive and hopeful, anticipating what very well may come. They get us through disappointments and the rough patches in life and who knows, an angel may even help us along the way.

Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Darcy: I’ve read of authors who listen to music as they write, but I’m not one of them. I tend to prefer quite as I write. I do occasionally create playlists to help set a mood or inspire my writing, but I didn’t for this book.

Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing this story? If so, explain.

Darcy: Caramel cake is a holiday favorite in my home. It was the perfect dessert for Miss Ellie to serve Samantha and Prince Marcus in her attic apartment.

Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why?

Darcy: I’d have Samantha give her stepmother a book of memories, but only the good ones. Sometimes memory loss needs a little help.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Darcy. Merry Christmas!

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-Winning Author Darcy Flynn, is known for her heartwarming, sweet contemporary romances. 

Her refreshing storylines, irritatingly handsome heroes and feisty heroines will delight and entertain you from the first page to the last. Miss Flynn’s heroes and heroines have a tangible chemistry that is entertaining, humorous and competitive.

Darcy lives with her husband and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She stargazes on warm summer nights and occasionally indulges in afternoon tea.

Although, published in the Christian non-fiction market under her real name, Joy Griffin Dent, it was the empty nest that turned her to writing romantic fiction. Proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

~*~
Blurb for Darcy's book:

No nonsense, Samantha Keller loves her job at Colfax Security Agency. 

The no-frills environment is the perfect compliment to her simple hair cut and no makeup lifestyle. After living in the shadows of her glamorous but hateful stepsister for so many years, Samantha’s quite content to be unnoticed and overlooked.

When she discovers her latest assignment is to guard a popular playboy prince, she’s anything but elated. Even worse, when she finally meets him, she learns her job has nothing to do with protection.

Prince Marcus de Blecourt of Sterlyn is looking forward to visiting New York on what could be his last trip abroad as a single man. But he hasn’t given up his freedom yet. This trip could be the perfect opportunity to thwart the family’s ‘arrangements’ with Lady Pricilla Rothschild.

Prince Marcus is anything but impressed with the unattractive woman from a security firm who arrives as his escort. Unless he can turn her into a super model overnight, it will take a minor miracle to pull off his plan. But when he learns who’s responsible for the setup, he’s even more determined to succeed. He decides to turn the tables, only to find the tables have indeed already turned…but on him.

~*~
Buy Darcy's book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

~*~
Connect with Darcy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarcyFlynnAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975929.Darcy_Flynn
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dflynnauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcyflynn/

~*~
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Wednesday, December 9, 2020

12 Days of Christmas Joy: Holiday of Hope by Kristen Ethridge


Interview with Kristen Ethridge about Holiday of Hope:

Alexis: Why did you write this Christmas holiday story and give it that title that hints the theme of hope?

Kristen: Holiday of Hope is the last book in my Hurricane Hope series. A hurricane named Hope hits the island, and the series follows residents of the island through the storm and how they rebuild. Holiday of Hope brings the island to the Christmas season, but there’s not a lot of Christmas cheer due to the effects of the hurricane. The hope in Holiday of Hope is a play on the name of the hurricane, but also the hope found in the meaning of the holiday season.

Alexis: Paint a picture of Port Provident (the setting for your story) with words. What makes it special to your characters?

Kristen: I describe Port Provident as a Texas beachside town readers will want to call home. What makes it special, I believe, is the people. With every book, I want to create a community that’s diverse and full of different experiences and perspectives and is a place we’d all want to live. It’s an island—so that’s fun, and modeled on my own personal experience of living in Galveston, Texas—and it’s full of churches and restaurants and history and places like lighthouses and such. With every book, I want readers to feel like an escape to an island with people and places they know and love are only a page away. I want it to be a book version of the same smiles and warm memories we all have of our favorite vacation spots that we visit over and over.

Alexis: Describe Bretton’s on the Boardwalk. What kind of store is it and how long has it been open?

Kristen: Bretton’s on the Boardwalk is a family business that primarily sells Christmas décor and items and has a customer base primarily of tourists who visit Port Provident’s historic district. It started as a general mercantile about 100 years before Hurricane Hope and has been run by family members ever since.

Alexis: How does Hurricane Hope affect Bretton’s on the Boardwalk as a business?

Kristen: Because the destruction and ongoing rebuild of Hurricane Hope slows down the flow of tourists to the island, the customers simply are not there this holiday season. Additionally, events that the city usually puts on to celebrate Christmas will not be happening, and these are events that give Bretton’s a big boost at what should be their busiest time of the year.

Alexis: Tell me about Jessica Bretton who is the heroine of this story. What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? What are her hopes and dreams for her personal life and her store?

Kristen: Jessica is the fourth generation of the Bretton family to run the store. Her biggest dream is to be worthy of the trust her family has placed in her to run this. She wants to carry on the legacy her family has built. Confronting the fact that she might be the last Bretton to run the store is crushing her. She doesn’t want to fail her family.

Alexis: Tell me about the hero of this story, Bradley Thorpe. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? Believe in? What is the hidden hope of his heart this Christmas?

Kristen: Bradley Thorpe is the director of the Port Provident Park Board. He oversees the beach parks and large events that the city puts on. He’s been in Port Provident his whole life and has known Jessica for years. He considers her a friend and struggles with his decision that canceling Santas on the Square could ultimately put her out of business. But as a city employee, he finds his hands tied with all the red tape involved in rebuilding, and he just can’t make a big city-planned event happen this year. He doesn’t want to be the one to cause Jessica—and other business owners—to struggle even more, but he feels as though he has no other options but to cancel the event and focus on next year when rebuilding is done and the city can safely welcome tourists back to the island and events.

Alexis: What makes Jessica and Bradley clash with each other? What brings them together?

Kristen: Well, obviously, they have two different points of view on the Santas on the Square event. Jessica desperately needs something to bring people to the island so they can be customers in the store. Bradley has to deal with government and insurance regulations and has been told he cannot hold a big organized event. They each understand the position the other is in—and I think that even makes it harder for them. Jessica knows Bradley is just doing his job, like she wants to do hers. Bradley knows his friend may lose her business because of his decision, but he doesn’t have much of a choice.

But in a town like Port Provident with both history and faith…anything is possible.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?

I want readers to remember that there is always hope. Always.

Kristen: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Alexis: I honestly didn’t—I generally prefer it to be quiet while I’m working. But my favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night.” There’s so much hope in that song—one night changes everything. And that same idea—that one day, one idea can change everything—is found in Holiday of Hope. Everything seems lost for Jessica until she learns about something in Port Provident’s history. And then Bradley bravely pushes the envelope on what he can/should do in his role—it changes the Christmas season. But it doesn’t just change it for Jessica and her family business. It changes the Christmas season for everyone on the island, because everyone needed holiday cheer and hope after a very tough year.

Now that I think about it…that sounds very familiar for all of us right about now, doesn’t it?

Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing this story? If so, explain.

Kristen: I love chocolate. At Christmas, I’m always looking for chocolate fudge, chocolate chip cookies, and a mug of hot cocoa. I can assure you that chocolate of all kinds fueled the writing of this story—and all of my stories!

Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why?

Kristen: I think Jessica gets a very important gift in the course of the story—but it isn’t something that’s found under a tree. She believes in herself again. She’s steps out of that self-doubt and that self-fulfilling prophecy that she is going to be the one to let her family down. Once she finds hope that she can do something different and turn things around, everything changes.

And that’s not just a gift for Jessica Bretton, it’s a gift for all of us. Believe in yourself—that God has equipped you to do what needs to be done at the exact time it needs to be done—and every day becomes a gift.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Kristen. Merry Christmas!

Kristen: Thank you for having me, Alexis! Merry Christmas to you and to everyone on the blog. I hope to see new faces in Port Provident soon.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kristen Ethridge writes Sweet Escape Romance — stories with hope, heart, and happily-ever-after — for Harlequin's Love Inspired line, Hallmark Publishing, and Laurel Lock Publishing.


She's a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award nominee and both an Amazon Christian Fiction and Inspirational Romance #1 Best-Selling Author.

You can find Kristen in her native habitat — a Texas patio — where she's likely to be savoring the joy of a crispy taco, along with a glass of iced tea and scents from her essential oil diffuser. She's almost convinced her family that it's normal to talk to imaginary people, as long it goes in a book.

Find her online at www.kristenethridge.com where you can get a free story for signing up for her newsletter.

~*~
Book Blurb for Holiday of Hope:

She was losing faith ... until he believed in her 


For four generations, Bretton's on the Boardwalk, a store dedicated to Christmas, has greeted tourists who come to Port Provident, but after Hurricane Hope tears through town, Jessica Bretton is left with a pile of bills to pay and no tourists visiting her store. She doesn't want to fail her family by closing the doors to the store, but she can't hold on much longer.

As Director of the Park Board of Port Provident, Bradley Thorpe is responsible for getting tourists to Provident Island. It's been almost three months since Hurricane Hope tore through the island, and while there's much work to be done, people are ready to get back to normal. The local economy is strained and it looks like the Christmas season is going to be an unhappy holiday.

When Jessica suggests reviving a Christmas celebration from Port Provident's history books, Bradley is unconvinced. His role is to drive the local economy, not plan parties. Could a woman who celebrates Christmas all year long change the heart of a man who's more interested in the bottom line than a season of hope? And could a little Christmas cheer be just what Port Provident needs to rebuild? 

Buy Holiday of Hope today and start spending time with characters who fill your heart with the hope and joy of the holiday season all year long.

Bestselling Christian Romance author Kristen Ethridge brings readers home to Port Provident, Texas for the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series
 — sweet escape romances full of hope, heart and happily-ever-after. These clean romance novels with a light, uplifting thread of faith and love will sweep you up in the story and leave you with a smile.

Be filled with hope no matter what the season — the entire Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series is ready for you!

Shelter from the Storm
The Doctor's Unexpected Family
His Texas Princess
Holiday of Hope

~*~
Buy Kristen's book on Amazon 

~*~
Connect with Kristen:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristenEthridgeBooks
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Ethridge/e/B00B0Y6VJO/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-ethridge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristenethridge/
Website: www.kristenethridge.com

~*~
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Tuesday, December 8, 2020

12 Days of Christmas Joy: Second Chance Christmas by Bell Renshaw


Interview with Bell Renshaw about Second Chance Christmas

Alexis: What inspired you to write this story?

Bell: I always knew I wanted to write the love stories of all three Bradley brothers and was really looking forward to Troy’s story because he’s such a fun character, but he turned out to be even more layered of a character which I loved!

Alexis: Describe the setting for this story. What makes it special to your main characters?

Bell: The fictional town of Winter, Montana is probably best described as the perfect, wintry town of my Christmas dreams. Think decorations on every corner during the holidays, festivities where the town celebrates together, and lots and lots of snow! My main characters grew up there and, while opportunity took Summer away, she’s back and remembering just how much she loves Winter. 

Alexis: Tell me about the heroine of your story, Summer Marshall. What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? What are her most treasured dreams and greatest fears?

Bell: Summer is definitely a Type A personality! She’s focused, dedicated, and driven. But along with that she’s got a soft heart that wants to help others as. She finds herself at a crossroads at the beginning of this story, facing the reality that goof-off Troy may have things more together than she does, but it’s all part of her coming to terms with how her story is evolving. She’s average height (maybe a little short) with shoulder length light brown hair and green eyes. Her scent is lavender and she definitely wants to succeed—no matter what she’s doing.

Alexis: Tell me about the hero of your story, Troy Bradley. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? What are his hopes and fears?

Bell: Ah, Troy. He is ‘once party boy turned humanitarian.’ I love his transformation in this story because it’s not that he loses what makes him fun, he’s just realized what he’s meant to do. To make food for those who are hungry. He’s a bit wanderer, never settling down but always a hard worker. He’s tall with dark brown hair that falls just below his ears and has hazel eyes.

Alexis: Why did Summer leave her job in L.A. and return to her home in Montana?

Bell: Without spoiling the story, Summer was faced with a decision she had to make in L.A.: either compromise her own beliefs and integrity or leave. She counted the cost of her ambition and knew that she couldn’t compromise, so when she leaves, it’s for the right reasons, but that doesn’t mean it still isn’t hard for her to see that missed opportunity.

Alexis: How is moving back home affecting her plans for her career as a chef?

Bell: As a chef on the cusp of an amazing career opportunity, Summer is forced to reevaluate her goals. While Winter is charming and “home” for her, she doesn’t see it as a growing place to use her culinary skills. Until she and Troy meet up…

Alexis: Why does Troy feel that he finally has a purpose for his life and why does it depend on whether he wins a food truck competition?

Bell: Troy has spent a lot of his life doing things because they are fun. He thought he might want to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a chef, but life interfered and he finds himself back in Winter working odd jobs. His lack of ambition never bothered him until he was introduced to the community out at The Park—a mobile home park where those less fortunate live and homeless gather. Seeing them and knowing they were in need (and deserving of) good food, the idea for his food truck, Hungry No More, was born. But, after an accident involving the truck and other incidents in his life, he’s facing debt and the fact that he can’t support his charitable giving if he doesn’t win the food truck competition.

Alexis:
How long has Troy owned a food truck? Why did he first venture into this business?

Bell: Troy started the truck at the beginning of the year when the book takes place. He had been saving up for something—he wasn’t sure what—and then he happened upon a friend selling a truck and the rest is history!

Alexis: What kind of food does Troy make and serve on his food truck? Share details about his culinary school training, business skills and passion for food.

Bell: Troy likes to keep his menu locally sourced which means it changes with the seasons. He prefers things with unique flavor profiles, savory and sweet alike, but is all about them tasting great! He trained at the culinary institute where Summer went but had to leave early (for reasons). He also believes in sustainable paper goods and utensils.

Alexis: Why is Troy trying to be a better man and what role does Summer play in his transformation?

Bell: Growing up with two older brothers and a father who, before he passed away, was a staple in the community, Troy feels the pressure to be ‘great’ at something like Hoyt is at acting and Beau is at running his coffee shop. But, he’s always been more for having a good time than committing to something until he starts the food truck. Having purpose for his talent of cooking creates a desire in him to be better. When Summer comes along he realizes she’s the girl he’s always wanted in his life and he wants to be deserving of her. Plus, they make a great team and together accomplish goals better than if they were trying separately.

Alexis: Why did you make second chances the theme of this story?

Bell: Originally, I’d called this book Last Christmas Wish and thought it would be about that…but as I wrote, I began to realize it was a lot more about second chances, Troy’s being the biggest, but also with Summer. She doesn’t so much need a second chance with Troy, but she needs one for herself. This is important to me because sometimes our plans don’t line up the way we want, but that doesn’t mean the alternate plan isn’t as good (or better).

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?

Bell: I hope readers will remember the cozy Christmas feelings the town of Winter always gives me but also, I really hope that it will inspire a desire in them (as it has in me) to give back. Not only in this holiday season but throughout the year. I believe when we are blessed, we are blessed to be a blessing to others!

Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Bell:
YES! I actually have several instrumental playlists that I listen to on repeat. For this book, I listened to a lot of the London Symphony Orchestra’s Currier & Ives Holiday Collection. I don’t have just one song but I will forever love anything from The Nutcracker.

Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing this story? If so, explain.

Bell: I absolutely love gingerbread/molasses cookies. I didn’t get to have them while writing but you can bet I’ll be making them to celebrate the release of the book! Plus, there is a certain dessert that Troy makes that his signature and I’ve been wanting to create my own recipe for that.

Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why?

Bell: What a fun question! I think I would give Troy an ugly Christmas sweater—mostly because he’s the kind of guy that would wear one (hehe).

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Bell. Merry Christmas!

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Author Bio:

Annabell “Bell” Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story. 


She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid. 

She’s grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that—no matter what —love will always find a home.

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Blurb for Second Chance Christmas:

Summer Marshall left L.A., disenchanted by the city that once held her dreams. 

When the promise of a head chef position comes with strings attached, fear pushes her to make the difficult but smart decision to head home. Now, despite the cheer of the season, the abrupt end to her carefully laid plans leaves Summer questioning everything.

Troy Bradley finally has a purpose for his life. Unfortunately, it hinges on the outcome of a televised food truck competition. He’s given everything he has to make his truck successful but overcoming his aversion to responsibility means every choice matters if he wants to prove he’s not the man he once was.

Summer never expected Troy—culinary school dropout and incurable flirt—to have changed, but seeing the commitment to his food truck and the people he feeds has her wondering if he really does have it all together. Is it possible the boy who humiliated her all those years ago is closer to achieving his dreams than she is?

When Summer and Troy are thrown together in a snowy whirlwind of holiday activities and a televised competition, Summer has to decide what it means to head toward the future while facing your past, while Troy is left to wonder if second chances really are possible.

Share this Christmas in Winter, Montana where the spirit of the season brings loved ones together and second chances come with mistletoe kisses.

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Buy Bell's book on Amazon

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Connect with Bell:
Website: www.bellrenshaw.jimdo.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bellreadsbooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/authorbellren
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellRenshaw/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bellrenshaw/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bellrenshaw

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